Philadelphia Flyers Agree to Deal With Mark Streit

The Philadelphia Flyers have inked former New York Islanders defenseman Mark Streit to a four-year contract, according to NHL.com. 

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Defenseman Mark Streir has signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the team announced Friday.

The deal is worth $21 million, an average annual value of $5.25 million.

 

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The news was first reported to us by the reliable Darren Dreger of TSN: 

Considering Streit is 35 years old, signing him for four years is a bit of a gamble. However, he has been exceptionally durable throughout his career and is still in fine physical form. 

While the deal carries a healthy amount of risk, it is not a surprise.     

Philadelphia acquired the rights to Streit from the Islanders in exchange for minor-league right wing Shane Harper and a fourth-round draft pick in 2014.

Streit was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month, so the only thing the Flyers gained in this trade was a window of exclusive negotiating rights; they didn't make this trade to watch him become a free agent. 

Streit was expected to be looking for over $5 million per season, and he got his wish. Furthermore, he had no reason to settle for anything less than his desired asking price prior to hitting free agency.  

This is a big investment for the Flyers, but there is no denying he's a good fit. 

At 5'11" and 191 pounds, Streit has the ability to create offense. While playing in 48 games for the Islanders this season, he tallied six goals and 21 assists. In his seven NHL seasons, he has recorded 65 goals and 223 assists overall. 

The Flyers have been in need of a puck-mover like this. 

He is particularly effective on power plays, which will also be a welcomed sight in Philadelphia.

While he'll have to hit the ice before this move can truly be evaluated, there is no denying the Flyers are a stronger team with Streit on the roster at this time.